Mansfield Dam Park
Mansfield Dam Park is situated at Lake Travis close to the Mansfield Dam. People, both tourists and locals can be seen boating all day, especially on weekends. This has become a perfect destination to spend an entire day with family. There are 6 camping areas. People generally come here for a picnic, scuba diving, swimming, and fishing. Some are also seen reading a book or listening to some soothing music in the sun.
The park has been renovated to park more than a 100 vehicles to be used for trailers. There are other facilities here including restrooms to freshen up, elevators from the lake to the hillside, artificially made shades, workstations with internet access to help find out anything about the area or otherwise, especially for those new to the place. There are pay phones available for use. Drinking water is also available. People are also allowed to bring their pets; however they must be kept on a leash at all times.
As one wanders about in the park several people can be seen sunbathing or windsurfing, or even hiking. There are showers placed over every 100-150 meters. A number of amenities are offered underwater as well including platforms placed underwater for underwater diving. There are portions of elevated ground underwater created deliberately to help people dive from there. The park also has the facility of dive lift and stairs at various heights to assist people traveling from lakeside to hillside and back. There are destinations under water which would interest people inquisitive about its geological aspects. More exploration reveals some remains of ships which have sunk long ago.
The western portion of the park offers a great view of Lake Travis. Traveling along the existing trails by hiking or biking, gives access to places enclosed by some beautiful trees, these are naturally covered shelters. It gives immense sense of peace here and gives an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, a great respite from daily hassles. This is one place where one can actually spend a whole day peacefully. The park is covered with a huge variety of trees to give you shade throughout your holiday trip. Slightly away from water, areas have been marked and created specifically for picnics. People can be seen indulging in games and other recreational activities. The park exudes a cheerful and adventurous atmosphere, which proves to be contagious and one can't help but enjoy each activity to the fullest.
There is an entrance fee for this park. This park offers one of the most reachable ramps for boats, giving a unique opportunity to launch the boat. However, launching of the boat with the help of a trailer is not allowed. The wildlife enthusiasts would also enjoy every bit of this park. It is open from 8 in the morning till dark and the ramp is also available throughout the day till dark. However the dam is not open for public, you could just enjoy the view from a distance. You will take back beautiful memories from here provided you avail the underwater activities.